VERGEL Meneses said he stepped down as head coach of EA Regen Medical Group in the PBA D-League to give way to deputy Allan Trinidad, who he said is already very familiar with the team.
Finally breaking his silence on the issue on Wednesday, Meneses, who is also coach of Jose Rizal University, said it is for the best of the team that Trinidad be left to call the shots since the core of the team are mostly his former players at San Sebastian.
Trinidad served as interim head coach of San Sebastian last season after Topex Robinson stepped down midway through the team’s campaign in the NCAA.
Several former Stags such as Ian Sangalang, Jimbo Aquino, Dexter Maiquez, and Michael Miranda are among those in the current roster of the Regens.
“Wala na rin kasi masyadong JRU players dun,” Meneses said after the Heavy Bombers’ match against San Beda in the Filoil Premier Cup tournament. “Mas kabisado nila ‘yung mga players kaya nag-decide ako na siya na (Trinidad) ang magpatakbo ng team.”
Meneses, though, will remain with EA Regen as team consultant.
The former PBA MVP also said the decision to step down will allow him to devote more time on his coaching duties with the Heavy Bombers.
“Gusto ko rin mag-concentrate talaga sa JRU,” he said.
Trinidad first handled the team last week in its game against Cagayan Valley, with Meneses opting to sit down at the farthest end of the Regens’ bench.
He was officially made head coach the following game against Cebuana Lhuillier on Tuesday.
Since Trinidad took over, the Regens have won two in a row after losing two straight games for a 3-2 win-loss card.
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